Koror, Palau, is a haven for outdoor lovers and curious explorers alike. Its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural sites make it a perfect destination for memorable tours and experiences. What sets Koror apart is its combination of breathtaking natural scenery and accessible adventure options. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling with jellyfish, diving into world-famous reefs, or strolling through local museums, Koror offers a variety of ways to enjoy its unique environment. We particularly love the Milky Way, Shark City Island, Beach and Rock Island Tour, because it combines marine exploration with relaxing beaches and a touch of local geology.
If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve rounded up the top options to help tailor your trip. From multi-day diving adventures to cultural walks, these tours highlight what makes Koror so special. Read on for our detailed breakdown.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best Koror tours includes scenic boat trips, diving adventures, cultural explorations, and city tours. Each offers a distinct way to experience Palau’s beauty and character. The Milky Way, Shark City Island, Beach and Rock Island Tour stands out for its all-in-one approach to marine and island scenery, while the 3 Day Dive Tour is perfect for certified divers eager to explore Palau’s famed reefs. For a more relaxed yet culturally rich experience, the Palau Big Island Adventure offers a mix of history, waterfalls, and local landmarks. Lastly, the Koror City Tour provides an easy introduction to Palau’s cultural institutions and local shopping. Each of these options highlights different facets of Koror, so you can choose based on your interests, budget, and time.
1. Milky Way, Shark City Island, Beach and Rock Island Tour
At number 1, this full-day excursion offers a blend of marine adventure, island scenery, and unique geological features—making it a well-rounded experience. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll meet your guide at Neco Marine, where you’ll get fitted with snorkeling equipment. The tour then sails into Palau’s Southern Lagoon, showcasing the famous Rock Islands with their striking limestone formations and lush greenery. The highlight for many is the visit to Milky Way, a narrow passage known for its milky, mineral-rich waters and skin-nourishing clay. This spot is perfect for relaxing and soaking in the scenery.
Later, you’ll swim in Jellyfish Lake, home to thousands of gentle, golden jellyfish. The rejuvenating clay of Milky Way, combined with snorkeling in coral-rich waters and the chance to see rare marine life, makes this tour memorable. The boat cruise through the Southern Lagoon offers breathtaking views of Palau’s iconic islands.
This tour scores 5.0/5 from 20 reviews, with travelers praising its “insane” snorkeling stops and helpful staff. Its flexible timing and all-in-one itinerary make it a top choice for visitors who want a comprehensive taste of Palau’s natural beauty.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking an active, scenic day with plenty of underwater and island experiences.
2. 3 Day Dive Tour
For those certified in scuba diving, the 3 Day Dive Tour is an exceptional way to explore Palau’s underwater world over several days. This tour offers small group dives, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds on the reefs. Each day includes two tanks, with dive weights provided, making logistical planning easier. Your package also includes a bonus visit to Jellyfish Lake with a certified guide, giving you a rare chance to swim among the iconic golden jellies.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on Palau’s renowned coral reefs, teeming with diverse marine life such as sharks, rays, and colorful fish. The tour’s three-day structure means you can explore different sites without feeling rushed, and the provided lunches keep you energized for long underwater sessions.
Since you need your diving certification, this experience is best suited for passionate divers or those eager to improve their skills in a spectacular setting. With a rating of 4.5/5 from 7 reviews, divers rave about the reef quality and professionalism of the guides.
Bottom Line: Ideal for certified divers wanting multiple days of reef exploration combined with the chance to visit Jellyfish Lake.
3. Palau Big Island Adventure
The Palau Big Island Adventure is a flexible private tour that emphasizes cultural and natural highlights. For around $200, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to explore historical sites, waterfalls, and local landmarks. The tour includes visits to Ngardmau waterfalls, the Today Lighthouse, and the marketplace, giving you a well-rounded picture of island life beyond the ocean.
This tour is particularly attractive for travelers interested in culture, history, and scenic nature spots. It’s customizable, allowing you to spend more or less time on certain stops, and it’s suitable for different fitness levels. The length varies from 4 to 8 hours, depending on your group’s pace, making it flexible for a half-day or full-day outing.
While only one review is available, it calls the experience “interesting,” noting the waterfall as a highlight. The tour is best suited for those who want a personalized, relaxed exploration of Palau’s inland and cultural sites rather than focusing solely on marine activities.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a private, customizable day that mixes history, nature, and local culture.
4. Koror City Tour
If you prefer a low-key, cultural introduction to Koror, the Koror City Tour offers a guided walk through the town’s main spots. The tour covers the Belau National Museum, which showcases Palau’s history and natural treasures, as well as the Palau Aquarium where you can learn about reef ecosystems. The visit to the Etpison Museum reveals artifacts and stories about Palauan culture and traditional practices.
This tour is ideal for travelers with limited time or those who want to understand the local culture before exploring further. The shopping stop at the WCTC Shopping Center adds a chance to pick up souvenirs and local crafts. Costing just $50, this is a budget-friendly option that provides a solid cultural overview.
While it currently has no reviews, the itinerary is thoughtfully selected for an enriching, manageable half-day experience. The tour requires a minimum of two participants, making it suitable for small groups or couples.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a brief, engaging cultural overview of Koror with some shopping and museum visits.
How to Choose Your Perfect Palau Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests and plans. If you love marine life and snorkeling, the Milky Way, Shark City Island, Beach and Rock Island Tour offers a diverse day of underwater and island experiences. For certified divers eager to explore Palau’s reefs, the 3 Day Dive Tour provides deep, multiple dives with a bonus visit to Jellyfish Lake. If culture and inland sights appeal, the Palau Big Island Adventure offers a relaxed, private exploration of history, waterfalls, and local landmarks. For a quick cultural fix, the Koror City Tour delivers highlights and souvenirs with minimal fuss.
Consider your budget, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend on each activity. For example, diving requires certification and time, while the city tour is quick and easy. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Koror offers a range of tours that cater to different interests—from spectacular snorkeling and diving to cultural explorations. For those wanting a comprehensive day on the water, the Milky Way and Rock Islands tour is hard to beat. Divers should look at the 3 Day Dive Tour for immersive reef experiences. Meanwhile, travelers seeking a more relaxed, inland adventure will appreciate the Palau Big Island Adventure, and those with limited time can quickly get a taste of local culture through the Koror City Tour.
Each option offers a unique slice of Koror, so choose what excites you most and book early to ensure availability. Palau’s natural and cultural riches await—ready your plans and get exploring.